Five keys for Adrien Broner

For the first time in his career, welterweight titlist Adrien Broner will face an opponent with unrivaled power, one who has knocked out more than 83 percent of the fighters he has faced: Marcos Maidana.

For Broner (27-0, 22 KOs), Saturday night in San Antonio's Alamodome (Showtime, 9 p.m. ET) will be the moment of truth. If he beats Maidana (34-3, 31 KOs), Broner could erase any doubts about his talent and claim his place among the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

Do what you do

The first rule for winning any battle will always be to take advantage of your best tools. Bronner is faster than Maidana, and the counterpunch is the jewel in his arsenal. Broner needs to rely on these assets as the primary keys in his offensive strategy. Broner has the quickness to sidestep Maidana's attack and hit him with combinations inside while he's off-balance.

Think of Alexander

Facing Maidana last year, Devon Alexander won in a very simple way: punch and grab, move to the sides and throw punches from all angles. Although it wasn't attractive, the strategy worked. He clearly won on the cards, and Maidana never had Alexander in real trouble. Broner has the skill set to follow that blueprint, avoid danger and coast to a win.

Too close for comfort

Maidana's firepower can't be overestimated. He has some of the heaviest hands in the division, and his knockout rate speaks for itself. Broner needs to take Maidana's power seriously and take great pains to avoid it, even if it means giving up some of his own offense in the process. A stoppage is likely Maidana's only chance in this matchup, so Broner needs to take that possibility off the table completely.

Leave the circus behind

Broner likes to clown and sometimes gets caught up in his act as The Next Floyd Mayweather Jr. But when he steps into the ring with Maidana, he would do well to avoid the nonsense and focus on the task at hand. Although he is undeniably skilled and already a three-division titleholder at age 24, Broner has proved little at the highest level. If he doesn't stick to the plan and stay disciplined against a relentless puncher like Maidana, he will suffer the consequences.

Go for the win, try the KO

Maidana often loses his patience and makes mistakes when he can't find his opponent. It happened to him against Amir Khan, who sent him to the canvas early with a hook to the liver. Most expect Broner to win with speed, not power, but the knockout can't be dismissed. The way Khan threw his quick combinations is an example that Broner can follow if he finds a potential opening to finish his opponent.